The public’s views on Central Bedfordshire Council’s Highways and Transport services will again be compared with others across England, as part of the National Highways and Transport Public Satisfaction survey.

The council is one of 78 local authorities to sign up to a standardised survey that will ask members of the public exactly the same questions, whether they live in Central Bedfordshire, Cornwall or Cheshire.

The survey, which is being run for the seventh year, enables local councils to compare results, share in best practice and identify opportunities to work together in the future.

The questionnaire will be sent to a minimum random sample of 3,300 Central Bedfordshire residentsthis month, followed by a reminder, with local and national results to be published in early October. Since the survey is based on a sample, residents that receive a copy are being urged to take part. 

Residents that receive the questionnaire can complete the survey on line if they prefer, a short URL link will be printed on the front of the questionnaire and they will be required to enter a code before completing the questionnaire.

The results will enable us to find out what people in this area think about these important services. This will provide one of several ways the council can assess how it is performing and which services to prioritise, and to improve.

Cllr Budge Wells, Deputy Executive Member for Sustainable Communities, Services, said: “Our roads are among the best in the country according to latest government figures which show that the proportion of roads needing repair in our area are among the lowest nationally.

"But we don't want to stop gathering evidence that could help us improve further. There are clear benefits to conducting a public survey in this way. As well as providing excellent value for money, it also enables everyone involved to identify areas of best practice and spot national, regional and local trends. It is about understanding customer views better and working together to deliver the most satisfactory yet efficient outcomes for local residents."